Beethoven’s Symphony for Only Nine Musicians
The Belgrade Philharmonic audience is in for a very special chamber concert at the Belgrade Philharmonic Hall on Friday, May 14. Beethoven’s famous Symphony Number 3, also known as Eroica, will be performed by only nine musicians in an unusual arrangement adapted for a nonet.
The original Eroica was a real “boom” in the symphonic music world of the early 19th century. It had the longest duration ever and is usually performed by a group of about 60 musicians. However, this time it will be played by nine. Especially for this occasion the Belgrade Philharmonic has been provided with sheet music by the Natalia ensemble, which created the adaptation that has received much critical acclaim around the world.
“After many months, a serious symphony is on our note stands again! We have played Eroica so many times and it is always a huge task. But the greatest challenge of all is to play it with only nine musicians. The difference from the “original” is that each section contains additional musical fragments. And if you happen to think that the power of Beethoven’s expression has diminished, you are very much mistaken! His spirit and inexhaustible musicality are always there, even more so than usual!” violinist Mirjana Nešković said.
In addition to violinist Mirjana Nešković, the members of the nonet are Ivana Uzelac (viola), Katarina Stanković (cello), Boban Stošić (double bass), Stana Krstajić (flute), Boban Pešić (oboe), Veljko Klenkovski (clarinet), Nenad Janković (bassoon) and Nikola Ćirić (horn).